Google’s latest flagship smartphone has a pronounced curved shape that Samsung claims is intended to cradle the face, measures just 94mm thick and packs 1GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Unlike its predecessor, the Nexus S, it will also features software navigation buttons and users will benefit from Wi-Fi, NFC support and a full web browsing experience.

The Galaxy Nexus also boasts a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display at 720p resolution, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, an improved five-megapixel camera with LED flash and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls.

Samsung UK and Ireland head of mobile Simon Stanford said: ‘We’re extremely excited about the Galaxy Nexus and the wide range of features it offers consumers. The collaboration with Google to launch the world’s first smartphone featuring Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display is evidence of Samsung’s continuing passion for innovation within the market.’

According to Samsung, the Galaxy Nexus is designed to provide a ‘pure Google’ experience and users will be the first to receive software upgrades and new applications as they become available. Key features include access to the Android Market, Gmail, Google Maps 5.0 with 3D maps and turn-by-turn navigation as well as a redesigned Google+ app.

The Galaxy Nexus will be available in the UK from a range of carriers in November. Pricing will be announced on release.